Imaging immune cells (macrophages) inside head and neck cancer with fluorine-19 MRI
Imaging tumor-associated macrophages in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using fluorine-19 MRI
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11319716
This project will use a special fluorine-19 MRI scan after an injected tracer to show macrophage immune cells in tumors of people with recurrent head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11319716 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would receive an intravenous injection of a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion that is taken up by macrophages in the body. The tracer causes those macrophages to show up as hot-spots on a fluorine-19 (19F) MRI scan, and the signal can be measured to estimate macrophage burden. This imaging is intended for people with locoregionally recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma so doctors can see immune cells in the tumor non-invasively. The information could be used to help tailor or prioritize immunotherapy approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with locoregionally recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who can undergo MRI and receive an intravenous tracer would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or those who cannot have MRI or an intravenous tracer (for example due to certain implants, severe claustrophobia, or allergy), would not be expected to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this imaging method could help doctors identify tumors with high macrophage levels and better match patients to immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related 19F MRI macrophage-labeling approaches have shown promise in animal studies and early human translational work, but widespread clinical use remains limited.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AHRENS, ERIC T. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: AHRENS, ERIC T.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.